For study, work, business, marriage, a visa, or immigration in the UK, Korean documents are recognized with an apostille. The UK and Korea are both Hague members, so the apostille alone gives a document official effect without separate embassy legalization. Apostille Korea handles issuance through apostille and certified translation remotely, in one stop.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is an international certification under the 1961 Hague Convention that simplifies the legalization of foreign public documents. Among members, a document is recognized abroad once the designated authority of the issuing country affixes an apostille — without separate consular or embassy legalization. The UK and Korea are both members, so a Korean document is recognized in the UK with an apostille alone.
When do you need it?
- A UK visa, residence permit, or immigration application
- Study admission or credential recognition in UK
- Employment or a work visa in UK
- International marriage and family registration with UK
- Company setup or business documents in UK
- Submitting a UK-issued document to a Korean body
Key documents
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Family relation / basic certificate | Identity and family relations |
| Diploma / transcript / degree | Academic credentials |
| Criminal investigation record certificate | Criminal-history check |
| Career certificate / business registration | Employment and corporate |
| Marriage / birth certificate | Family registration, marriage |
UK-specific notes
The United Kingdom has been part of the Hague Apostille Convention since it entered into force there on 24 January 1965, making it one of the long-standing members, so a Korean document carrying a Ministry of Foreign Affairs apostille is readily accepted in the UK without further legalisation. Documents issued within the UK are apostilled by the Legalisation Office of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The apostille certifies the signature or seal rather than the content, so confirm any translation requirement with the receiving body in advance.
The apostille process, step by step
- Document issuanceObtain originals from the issuing body (school, court, police, registry, etc.).
- Notarization (if required)Private documents or documents needing translation are notarized at a notary office.
- ApostilleThe competent authority affixes the apostille; recognized directly between member states.
- Certified translation (if required)Add a certified translation where the receiving body requires one.
- SubmissionSubmit the completed documents to the relevant body.
How to apply with Apostille Korea
Apostille Korea handles all UK apostille processing in one stop — issuance support, certified translation, and the apostille, entirely online.
Frequently asked questions
What is a UK apostille?
It verifies a public document's seal or signature so it is recognized between member states by the apostille alone. UK and Korea are both Hague members, so no separate embassy legalization is needed.
Is the process different for public and private documents?
Yes. Public documents are apostilled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Overseas Koreans Agency); private documents are notarized first, then apostilled by the Ministry of Justice.
Can it be processed without going to UK?
Yes. Apostille Korea handles issuance support, certified translation, and the apostille entirely online.
Is certified translation required?
It depends on the receiving body; many require a notarized translation. We advise per the body.
How long does it take?
It varies by document, but typically about 5 to 15 business days. Contact us for urgent handling.
Why Apostille Korea
- Specialist team — apostille, certified translation, and embassy legalization handled directly by experts.
- One-stop service — from issuance support to the finished certification, resolved together.
- Fully remote — apply online from anywhere and receive your documents — no in-person visit.
- Fast handling — urgent cases processed quickly with real-time status updates.
- Accurate guidance — tailored advice analyzing each country's and document's requirements.